Wellhead Protection Program staff review development proposals, construction and tenant improvement permits to help ensure that they are in compliance with codes related to groundwater protection, critical areas regulations, secondary containment requirements and prohibited land uses.

Development or redevelopment of a property within Wellhead Protection Zones 1, 2 or 3 will require the preparation of a Critical Areas Report (CAR) for wellhead protection, to determine that the proposed development and activities will not adversely impact groundwater resources. The CAR must be completed by a Professional Engineer or Licensed Geologist. They can find resources for completing the CAR such as the depth to groundwater map book or for groundwater quality and quantity data by contacting WHP staff. For more information contact Jessica Pfundt at 425-556-2709.

Land uses or activities for new development or redevelopment that pose a significant hazard to the City’s groundwater resources resulting from storing, handling, treating, using, producing, recycling, or disposing of hazardous materials or other deleterious substances are prohibited in Wellhead Protection Zones 1 and 2. These land uses and activities include, but are not limited to:

Deleterious Substances

Include, but are not limited to, chemical and microbial substances that are not classified as hazardous materials under RCDG 20A.20.080, whether the substances are in usable or waste condition, that have the potential to pose a significant groundwater hazard, or for which monitoring requirements or treatment-based standards are enforced under Chapter 246-290 WAC (Ord. 2180).

Groundwater

Water in a saturated zone or stratum beneath the surface of the land or below a surface water body.

Hazardous Materials

Any hazardous waste, hazardous substance, dangerous waste, or extremely hazardous waste that is a physical or health hazard as defined and classified in Chapter 70.105 RCW and Chapter 173-303 WAC, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition. Hazardous materials shall also include petroleum or petroleum products that are in a liquid phase at ambient temperatures, including any waste oils or sludges. (Ord. 2180).

Wellhead

The physical structure, facility, or device at the land surface from or through which ground water flows or is pumped from water-bearing formations.

Wellhead Protection Zone

Land areas delineated by the City for purposes of safeguarding groundwaters that supply, or potentially supply, drinking water to wells operated by the City. (Ord. 2269 § 2 (part), 2005: Ord. 2180 § 1 (part), 2003).